StaffMay 24, 2021
Patient-first biotech company Enveric Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENVB) is buying MagicMed Industries Inc., a privately-held biotechnology company focused on creating a library of novel derivative psychedelic molecules such as psilocybin, N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and other molecular derivatives with applications across multiple indications, in an all-stock transaction. The deal has an approximate value of $30 million.
Shareholders of MagicMed will receive 9,946,969 shares of common stock of Enveric, which recently closed at $2.72. Plus, warrants, options, and restricted stock units to acquire an additional 9,039,882 shares of common stock of Enveric. The current Enveric shareholders will own approximately 63.4% of the combined company’s common stock. Additionally, Enveric will receive approximately C$4 million in cash from the MagicMed Treasury. Dr. Joseph Tucker will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and David Johnson, the current Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman will be appointed Executive Chairman.
“Our proposed acquisition of MagicMed underscores the core fundamental mission of Enveric to form a drug discovery and clinical-stage biotechnology company with a focus on bringing forward nature-originated therapies to improve the standard of care and serve unmet needs in oncology and CNS indications,” said David Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Enveric Biosciences. “Psychedelics and cannabinoids, in our opinion, have extensive patient benefits for the mind and body. We welcome MagicMed’s world class research and development team led by Dr. Joseph Tucker, who not only have experience in psychedelic drug discovery, but also research experience in cannabinoids, as well.”
MagicMed has focused on the discovery and early development of novel drug candidates, structurally related to psychedelics with vastly improved pharmaceutical characteristics and commercial potential for the treatment of neurological and psychological indications. The Psybrary is MagicMed’s library of novel psychedelic derivatives developed through the combination of synthetic biology and traditional chemistry techniques. MagicMed has 13 patent applications filed for derivatives of psilocybin and DMT, 2 patent applications filed for derivatives of mescaline and MDMA with further intellectual property protection for mescaline, MDMA, ibogaine, and LSD in process.
“Our mission at MagicMed has always been focused on unlocking the full potential of psychedelic-derived medicines for the treatment of neurological and psychological indications,” added Dr. Joseph Tucker, Chief Executive Officer of MagicMed. “Complementing our R&D capabilities, working together with Enveric will allow us to leverage the company’s clinical team, all of whom are focused on advancing our extensive pipeline of molecules through the clinic to help serve the millions of patients who are suffering from mental health issues around the globe. Through this acquisition – in the best interest of each of our respective teams – we have bolstered our pipeline, bringing together a seasoned team of experts with the leadership skills and knowledge that is crucial to creating a platform that aims to address large unmet total addressable markets.”
The acquisition of MagicMed will expand and complement Enveric’s current pipeline of naturally occurring compounds, which is primarily focused on cannabinoids, to now include a robust portfolio of psychedelic-derived molecules. Enveric intends to continue to develop patient-centric support care therapies in oncology and central nervous system (CNS) indications. Upon closing, Enveric intends to commence drug discovery and development for treatment of cancer-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients who are currently in treatment for cancer and those who are in remission. It is anticipated that the PTSD drug development program holds the potential to be expanded in the future beyond cancer-related applications to include other patient populations, such as military veterans.
Debra Borchardt
